Utilidad de la procalcitonina como prueba diagnóstica precoz de sepsis neonatal en recién nacidos con factores de riesgo de infección

Serum PCT levels < 2 ng/ml within the first 6-12 hours of life in newborns with risk factors for infection are useful as a screening assay to rule out neonatal sepsis with a sensitivity of 100 % (false negatives = 0 % and NPV = 100 %). However, for subsequent confirmation a more specific assay (with a low false positive rate and high PPV) should be used, such as C-reactive protein. The higher cost of the serum PCT test should be weighed against shorter admissions as a result of its use.